Segment information Reconciliation of other significant reconciling items from segments to consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	$ 66,646	$ 97,048	$ 59,909
Carrying value of investment in equity method investees	63,284	58,812
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	6,442	2,124	4,357
Eastern & Oriental Express
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in equity method investees	3,363	3,276
Peru Hotels
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in equity method investees	16,619	15,543
Peru Rail
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in equity method investees	38,095	32,973
Hotel Ritz Madrid
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in equity method investees	0	1,736
Buzios
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Carrying value of investment in equity method investees	5,207	5,284
Unallocated corporate
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	275	771	1,962
Subtotal: Owned hotels
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	60,046	91,867	54,098
Segment: Owned hotels - Europe
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	13,238	17,187	18,660
Segment: Owned hotels - North America
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	32,635	47,659	17,690
Segment: Owned hotels - Rest of world
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	14,173	27,021	17,748
Segment: Owned trains and cruises
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	6,325	4,410	3,849
Segment: Hotels - part-owned/ managed
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	(2,372)	1,517	35
Segment: Trains - part-owned/ managed
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Earnings from unconsolidated companies, net of tax	$ 8,814	$ 607	$ 4,322